Definition

In a way that suggests something bad or unpleasant without saying it directly.

Example

She spoke insinuatingly, hinting that he might be lying.

Conversation

Did you notice how she was talking about him last night?

Yeah, it felt a bit insinuatingly critical, don't you think?

Exactly! It made me wonder what she really meant.

Right? Sometimes people say things insinuatingly without being direct.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Insinuatingly → It is formed from "insinuare" (from Latin, meaning to introduce or insert subtly) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word describes the manner of introducing something subtly or indirectly, often with a hint of suggestion.

Memory Tip

Think of 'insinuate' as introducing something subtly, and the '-ly' means in that manner. So, insinuatingly means doing something in a subtle or suggestive way.

Visually Confused Words